smh.com.au
WA Announces $85,000 Redress for Stolen Generations
West Australian members of the stolen generations will each receive $85,000 under a new redress scheme, effective by month's end, addressing historical injustices highlighted in the 1997 Bringing Them Home report and decades of advocacy.
- What is the significance of Western Australia's new redress scheme for members of the stolen generations?
- A redress scheme will provide $85,000 to each West Australian member of the stolen generations. This follows recommendations from the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, with Western Australia being one of the last states to implement such a scheme. The payments aim to address the historical injustices faced by these individuals and their families.
- How does the financial compensation in WA's scheme compare to other states, and what factors might explain the differences?
- The $85,000 payment is part of a broader effort to reconcile with the stolen generations. While the amount varies across states, ranging from $30,000 in South Australia to $100,000 in Victoria, it reflects a growing recognition of the profound harm caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal children. This scheme is a response to decades of advocacy from survivors and their families.
- What broader systemic issues beyond financial compensation need to be addressed to fully reconcile the lasting impacts of the stolen generations?
- The redress scheme's implementation highlights ongoing efforts to address intergenerational trauma among Aboriginal communities. The prioritization of fast-tracking payments for elderly members underscores the urgency in providing support to those who have waited decades for recognition. However, the acknowledgement that no amount of money can fully compensate for the harm experienced points to the need for continued systemic reforms to ensure lasting reconciliation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the announcement of the WA redress scheme as a positive step towards reconciliation, emphasizing the Premier's apology and the long-awaited justice for survivors. The headline (if there was one) likely reinforces this positive framing. The article prioritizes the Premier's words and the details of the scheme, potentially overshadowing the ongoing systemic issues and the broader implications of the stolen generations.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, with the exception of emotionally charged phrases like "shameful decade" and descriptions of the trauma's impact on survivors' souls. While these phrases aim to convey the gravity of the situation, they could be replaced with more neutral alternatives to maintain a completely objective tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Western Australian redress scheme and its details, but omits discussion of the unique challenges and perspectives of the stolen generations in other states and territories. It mentions other states' schemes briefly for comparison but doesn't analyze differing approaches or potential reasons for the variations. This omission limits a comprehensive understanding of the broader national issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between the WA government finally acting and the long-standing suffering of the stolen generations. While acknowledging the inadequacy of financial compensation, it doesn't fully explore the complexities of intergenerational trauma or the diverse needs of survivors.
Sustainable Development Goals
The redress scheme aims to address historical injustices and inequality faced by the stolen generations, contributing to reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The scheme provides financial compensation for the trauma and lasting effects of forced removal.